“Also, don’t leave valuable items like jewellery or cash on display in your home. Seeing valuables such as this is all it would take to tempt a burglar.

“Don’t let burglars ruin your Easter.”

Detective Inspector Dilworth continued: “As the nicer weather arrives, I would like to remind residents to make sure they lock all their windows and doors when they leave – even if it is just for a few hours. It doesn’t take long for an opportunist burglar to strike.

“It is also a good time for people to check their sheds and garages are properly secure.”

Detective Inspector Dilworth is also encouraging the public to be vigilant against burglars and to contact Dorset Police if they see anything suspicious.

Total burglary crime in the county has fallen by 9.1 per cent since April 1 2013, with 166 fewer burglaries to date.

Further information about protecting your home, as well as a wide range of other crime prevention advice, is available online at crimeprevention.dorset.police.